High school students explore teaching field

Hundreds of high school students participated in the seventh annual Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Day, organized by the University of North Georgia’s College of Education (COE) and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus on Oct. 31, learning about the teaching profession from UNG students and faculty.

"FGE Day holds significant importance in promoting the teaching profession and encouraging high school students to consider education as a career," Dr. Christian Bello Escobar, COE academic and community engagement director, said. "This event offers students a comprehensive experience of the education field. It introduces them to the transition from high school to becoming a college student and emphasizes the role of high school leadership, service and learning opportunities in preparing for a future in education."

Students started their day hearing from keynote speaker and Hall County Teacher of the Year finalist, UNG alumnus Steven McInyre,’10. After the keynote, the high school students participated in the FGE Knowledge Bowl, a fun interactive competition designed to test their knowledge of their Education Pathway Curriculum and the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators.

Ten other colleges and universities were present providing the students a chance to explore other institutions as part of one of three workshops available after attending a lunch in the Convocation Center.

The bulk of the students’ day was spent in these workshop sessions and students were split into groups of three to provide personalized experiences. The workshops included "Tips for Success" hosted by Dr. Brandon Hass, associate professor of Social Foundations and Leadership, and "Life of a Nighthawk," exploring college life through the lens of COE ambassadors like Chandler Mayfield.

"FGE Day is a unique opportunity to enrich and foster this next generation of aspiring educators. As an aspiring educator myself, I was grateful to share what UNG's College of Education has to offer," Mayfield, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia,  pursuing a degree in kinesiology, said. "I am excited to see future teachers take their first step in their journey toward the classroom."

The day concluded with an optional campus tour for students to explore life in Dahlonega as a Nighthawk.

PAGE collaborates with multiple Georgia institutions around the state to host events like these. This year's FGE Day at UNG was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the event has been sold out with attendees from Commerce High, East Forsyth High, Forsyth Central High, Johnson High, North Hall High, South Forsyth High, Thomas Central High, Towns County High, and Sonoraville High.